“Even when it seems so hard to!”

Always be joyful.

Never stop praying.

Be thankful in all circumstances,

for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

At church the other week the pastor said something that was so convicting:

“Sometimes we don’t sing out of joy, but we sing into joy.”

Truthfully, there are so many situations that are not joyous- at all. However, God calls those who belong to Jesus to be joyful in all things.

But how can we?

If our joy is in our circumstances or situations, it will always be fleeting. Joy shouldn’t come from our situations, but instead from God and in His presence.

…Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Nehemiah 8:10

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:11 ESV

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In the book of II Chronicles 20:1-30 *please read this amazing story this sparknotes version does you no justice* there’s a story of a King, Jehoshaphat, who got word that there was an army coming against him. Though terrified, he asked God for guidance and proclaimed a fast for the entire city of Judah.

God answered him through a man named Jahaziel and God said:

You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem! Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.

II Chronicles 20:17 NKJV

Instead of fighting, Jehoshaphat put his best singers on the front line and sang praises to God. While they were singing, God caused the armies to fight against themselves. Every single enemy coming up against Jehoshaphat was donnee for!

Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated. 

II Chronicles 20:22 NLT

They literally sang into their joy!

“Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat in front of them, to go back to Jerusalem with joy, for the Lord had made them rejoice over their enemies”

II Chronicles 20:27 NLT

Imagine that. Pulling up in full confidence and praises to God on your way to what terrified you, and seeing it already defeated by the Lord.

What is this story trying to tell you?

Go into every battle with praise as your weapon.

Let the praises of God be in their mouths,

and a sharp sword in their hands

Psalm 149:6 NLT

How can you apply this to your life today?

• Play a gospel song when you feel down and keep it on replay.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to drop a song on your heart.
• Right before you have a huge meeting/exam/call/interview, worship instead of worrying!

Finally, I’ll leave you with this | Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-3 NLT

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Maybe your situation is not be reflective of all that this season is: joy, peace, or hope. Instead, place your hope in Christ and ask Him to give you His joy as your strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

Being able to have joy in all circumstances is only attainable through the power of the Holy Spirit who bears the fruit of Joy. If you haven’t received Christ yet into your life, and you want to experience the fullness of joy that comes from being in His presence pray this prayer:

Lord Jesus, for too long I’ve kept you out of my life. I know that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself. No longer will I close the door when I hear you knocking. By faith I gratefully receive your gift of salvation. I am ready to trust you as my Lord and Savior. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for coming to earth. I believe you are the Son of God who died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead on the third day. Thank you for bearing my sins and giving me the gift of eternal life. I believe your words are true. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, and be my Savior. Amen.

God bless you and Merry Christmas!